From the moment I received my university acceptance, I knew one thing: I wanted to dive headfirst into extracurriculars. My school days hadn’t been filled with them, and I was determined to make up for it, to truly give my all and gain invaluable experiences. So, even before stepping onto campus, I was already following every university club and organization on Facebook, eager to explore.
My first year at university was a whirlwind. I joined every club imaginable, and among them was the Rotaract Club. As a student in the Faculty of Humanities, I joined during the second intake. I chose International Service as my main avenue, and for my technical avenues, I picked Editorial and Member Relations.
My very first physical interaction with Rotaract was the August Monthly General Meeting. I went with a friend of a friend, knowing absolutely no one else. I felt incredibly alone and wanted nothing more than to escape. And I did. While everyone was planning a TikTok, I quietly slipped away from that uncomfortable situation.
But my goal of becoming an all-rounder at university remained. I focused on what I could do virtually, especially within the Editorial Avenue. As a Translation Studies student and a passionate writer, I believed Editorial was the perfect fit. So, I joined the translation team of “Chronicle,” not even knowing what “Chronicle” was at the time.
Later in 2023, a flyer caught my eye: an application for the Research Organizing Committee of a village development project in Giribawa. Unaware of the profound transformation this application would bring, I applied. Soon after, I was selected as a Research member for the Agriculture sector.
This marked the true beginning of my Rotaract journey. The field visit to Giribawa village, where I met my fellow research OC members, was a truly wonderful experience. Following the research phase, the main project; Ignite Sri Lanka focused on executing our solutions, began. I was appointed as an editor. Though it was a small role in such a large undertaking, it taught me an immense amount, especially about the duties of an editor. Meanwhile, I also contributed to several other projects, including Merryzoomas, the Career Fair, and a Rotatomorrow project.
When the board applications opened for the 2024-25 year, I wasn’t aiming for an avenue director position. However, the idea of being an editor (A Director of Editorial Avenue) is deeply resonated with me; writing is truly “my thing.” So, I applied only for the position of Co-Editor. And yes, I got selected! (Thank you my dearest friend, Lihini for motivating for the interview, when I was ready to give up)
From that point, my life became filled with letters, project proposals, captions, blogs, magazines, and all things written within the club. Most notably, I immersed myself in the project “Writing Maze 2.0.”
Then, “RotaTomorrow 5.0” became a game-changer. The decision to become a mentor for RotaTomorrow wasn’t easy, but I’m incredibly happy I made it. The project “සිහින පියාසර” was the initiative we built under the RotaTomorrow 5.0 competition. It gave me a chance to experiment with my leadership skills and forge strong bonds with my dearest “Pinnaclers.”
Last year, I couldn’t even attend the RotaTomorrow award ceremony for various reasons. But now, I can proudly say that I was the mentor of the winning team of RotaTomorrow 5.0, securing a total of 13 awards, including the “Most Outstanding Mentor Award.” I am truly grateful for everyone who supported me on this journey. I had the best team and the best team leaders. My heartfelt thanks go to Chamodi, Nuvindya, and my entire team. And a big thank you to Himas, Sanduni and Kaweesha for your guidance and support for me during the RotaTomorrow period.
I also want to express my deepest gratitude to Vihanga Aiya, Wikshi Akka, Dinithi Akka, and Dimithri Akka, who were the very first people to bring me into a project. You were truly inspiring leaders who motivated me to become a better leader myself. And Pavani Akka, thank you for showing me the right path and bearing all my chaos.
A big thank you also to Vihanga Aiya, Adeesha Aiya, and Roshan Aiya for believing in me and appointing me as a Co-Editor.
To my dearest senior editor, Sapna Akka, you were the backbone of the Editorial Avenue. You are the sweetest and kindest guide I’ve ever had. And Delishia, who guided us from the executive committee, your understanding and flexible nature eased our hectic lives a thousand times over. And my dearest co-editors, Dilu Akka and Janoo, having you two by my side is truly a blessing.
To the directors, team leaders, and OC members of the avenues I oversaw as an editor, thank you for your unwavering support. I will truly miss your messages and calls asking “Approval onee.”
A huge thank you to DM directors, Avishna and Mahen, for patiently bearing with all my chaotic flyer approval requests. And another big thank you to the PR Avenue, especially Amali and Chenuri, for enduring my chaos.
And to all the wonderful people I met on this journey, I am truly grateful for each and every one of you.
It’s bittersweet to say goodbye to this incredible RI year 2024-25, which gave me so many opportunities to soar. But it’s a happy farewell, filled with immense satisfaction.
Viva La Rotaract!
